Cristiano Ronaldo has waited patiently for his first outing at World Cup 2026 and the sight of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe all shining in their first apperances of the tournament will have fired up the Portugal leader even more.In his sixth - and presumably final - World Cup, Ronaldo will look to guide a team with huge strength in depth behind him towards the latter stages despite questions over whether he is now more hindrance than help to head coach Roberto Martinez.They begin their Group K campaign with a moderately tricky assignment against a DR Congo side that took the long route towards qualification but are expected to put up a reasonable fight in a pool also featuring Colombia and debutants Uzbekistan.Follow all the action below with kick-off set for midday local time or 6pm BST:Portugal previewWhile those fixated upon superstardom rather than this being a team sport will be salivating at the prospect of Ronaldo facing Lionel Messi in the quarter-finals for the first time at a World Cup - should they both reach that stage as group winners - this is another tournament in which how Portugal’s biggest name is managed will be decisive.If Roberto Martinez can involve him sufficiently to ensure minimal histrionics without compromising their ability to win matches, there is little reason why a squad so packed with talent cannot reach the latter stages. Yet if Martinez is to persist with Ronaldo it is easy to see them exiting with a whimper.Goncalo Ramos may have been used sparingly by Paris Saint-Germain this season but he appears a much better fit up top - regardless of personality and status. Few squads have such an impressive midfield unit, while there is plenty of strength at the back.Alan Smith17 June 2026 15:40Predicted XIsConfirmed team news will arrive around 4:45pm BST but here is how both could potentially line upPortugal XI: D Costa; Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Mendes; J Neves, Fernandes, Vitinha; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Neto.DR Congo XI: Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Kapuadi, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Mukau; Wissa, BakambuAlan Smith17 June 2026 15:30Ronaldo red card controversyA reminder that Ronaldo was sent off in his last competitive match for Portugal - against Ireland in a qualifying defeat in Dublin - but had the last two games of a three-match ban suspended by Fifa ... so he would not miss the start of this tournament.He has since featured in friendlies - which have not quite gone swimmingly.Alan Smith17 June 2026 15:20How to watchViewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on BBC 1, BBCiPlayer and the BBC Sport website, with coverage starting at 5:30pm BST.Alan Smith17 June 2026 15:10Welcome to the Ronaldo and co showHello and welcome to live coverage of Portugal vs DR Congo with the Group K opener getting underway in Houston, Texas at 6pm BST or midday local time.The attention will be on Cristiano Ronaldo for abundant obvious reasons - he will be the hero or villain in the next month depending on how far Portugal go.Yet they do face a moderately difficult start to their campaign against a DR Congo side whose form guide suggests no shortage of hard work with a sprinkling of unpredictable talent.It should be good fun and you can follow every meaningful kick right here.Alan Smith17 June 2026 15:00